Messages on Matthew
Beyond Religion
Pastor Brent challenges the idea that Jesus came to establish a new religion and shows why trusting in religion won’t get you where you thought you were going. Discussion Questions Why do you think some could be drawn to religion (right beliefs, behavior, rituals, etc.) over a relationship with Jesus? Why do you think Jesus was so hard and confrontational with the religious leaders in Matthew 23? As Jesus critiqued religion, do any of his critiques surprise you? If so,…
Loving God to Love Others
Pastor Amy discusses how our restoration isn’t only for our own good but is so that we go into the world and seek the restoration of others as well. Discussion Questions Why do you think your ability to love others is so connected to your love of God? How is your relationship with God impacted when you fail to love others well? What’s one tangible way you can love others this week?
Get Out of the Boat
Pastor Brent looks at how the pandemic has made everyone a little more risk-averse but how it is always risky following Jesus. From Matthew 14 and the story of Peter walking on water with Jesus. Discussion Questions How risk averse are you? What do you think contributes to this? Of the list of obstacles that hold us back from exercising our faith, what one or two are the greatest obstacles for you? Is there something you feel God is calling…
When the World Needs Now is Peacemakers
Pastors Brent and Ryan discuss the conflict happening in the world regarding masks, politics, and COVID-19 and look at how the world needs men and women who work to bring about peace.
What the World Needs Now Is Humility
Pastor Brent looks at Matthew 11 to see how Jesus calls us from a life of pride and shame to learn from him the virtue of humility and how this is exactly what the world needs now.
New Normal for Mental Health
As you meet as Ashworth at Home groups or maybe just have conversations with friends and neighbors about the new normal we are all facing, here are some questions you can use to have a spiritual discussion. Discussion Guide to Continue the Conversation What’s been your quarantine indulgence? What’s the silver lining during the pandemic and, what’s been your biggest challenge during the pandemic? How does following Jesus impact your mental health for the positive and possibly the negative? What is…
What Do I Lack?
Pastor Brent looks at the exchange between Jesus and a wealthy, young guy in Matthew 19 to see how often it isn’t what we lack that keeps us from following Jesus, it is what we have.
Who Is This?
In a time of uncertainty, questions abound. But questions are nothing new. During the life and ministry of Jesus, questions surrounded him and his motives. In a new series called Questioning Jesus, we will examine questions asked to, by and around Jesus to see how these questions can shape our faith. In this first message, Pastor Brent Clark looks at the triumphal entry of Jesus and how in this moment, those who saw and knew Jesus asked who is this?
Connecting With God
Pastor Brent continues looking at what makes the church the church and how connecting with God in community is what distinguishes the church from every other organization.
What is Church?
Pastor Brent looks at what church is not but then examines what actually is.
The Essence of Christmas is Coronation
Pastor Amy looks at the birth narrative to contrast the kingdom of Herod who was in power at the time of Jesus’ birth, and the kingdom of Jesus that came at Christmas.
Christians Are Soldiers for God
In the second message of the “You’ve Been Lied To (and we’re sorry about that)” series, Pastor Ryan Lenerz looks at the idea that Christ-followers should be militaristic in our approach to spreading Christian values and how the way fo Jesus shows us another way.